Redpath pays tribute to Vainikolo

Winger Lesley Vainikolo pushed himself to the maximum recently when he played all 240 minutes of Gloucester Rugby's three games in eight days. Head Coach Bryan Redpath today acknowledged the commitment shown by the Volcano.

The England international winger gave everything to the cause last week when he played full matches against Leeds Carnegie (home), Newcastle Falcons (away) and Saracens (home) an effort that Redpath admitted hadn't been planned.

"I didn't intend it to happen but it was because of midfield injuries etc. He was good, I was chuffed for him. He's been playing very well."

"Since Christmas time he's had a great turnaround, in fact, since before then in coming back from his ruptured Achilles."

"He's been very consistent and people forget that, for a big man to rupture his Achilles and come back and function as well as he has, is quite a big deal."

Vainikolo, who recently signed a new contract with the club, has now started 25 games for Gloucester this season (including preseason friendlies) which is the most in his three seasons at Kingsholm.

Argentine international Mariano Galarza made his Gloucester Rugby debut on Sunday afternoon, and despite a disappointing reverse to Sale Sharks, the giant Puma was just glad to be making his long-awaited bow in Cherry and White.

Having skippered Scotland to a hard fought 25-13 defeat against England at Twickenham on Saturday, Greig Laidlaw spoke of the frustrations of his side doing so many good things and making real progress as a team but still finishing on the wrong end of the scoreline.

GRTV caught up with Neil McCarthy as he was unveiled as the new Head of Academy. The ex-Gloucester front rower is looking forward to getting to work with the vast arrays of talent in the Academy and across Gloucestershire.

Although understandably disappointed to see Northampton snatch a 33-33 draw with a last gasp try on Saturday, Gareth Evans told GRTV after the game that the result shows how far Gloucester have come as a team this season.

Gloucester scrum half Greig Laidlaw spoke to GRTV after the 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints on Saturday, and the Scotsman described how the hosts played some great rugby, but will rue not holding the lead which keeps them in touch with the top seven.

Although Gloucester could take many positives from the 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints on Saturday, centre Bill Meakes admitted it was a strange feeling at the final whistle with Gloucester having probably done enough to win the game.

Speaking after the 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints on Saturday, David Humphreys admitted that he was happy with many aspects of the team's performance but regretted a missed opportunity to defeat the Premiership champions.

Hartpury U18s won the AASE league for the sixth year in a row last week beating Filton College in the Final at Allianz Park by 50 points to nil, while Bromsgrove School won their first NatWest U18 Schools Cup.

Gloucester Rugby would like to inform supporters about an exciting opportunity for you to raise money for your chosen charity or chosen cause. 2015 is an exciting year for Gloucester, with Kingsholm Stadium hosting four fixtures for Rugby World Cup 2015.